–noun
1.
the material world, esp. as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.
2.
the natural world as it exists without human beings or civilization.
3.
the elements of the natural world, as mountains, trees, animals, or rivers.
4.
natural scenery.
5.
the universe, with all its phenomena.
6.
the sum total of the forces at work throughout the universe.
7.
reality, as distinguished from any effect of art: a portrait true to nature.
8.
the particular combination of qualities belonging to a person, animal, thing, or class by birth, origin, or constitution; native or inherent character: human nature.
9.
the instincts or inherent tendencies directing conduct: a man of good nature.
10.
character, kind, or sort: two books of the same nature.
11.
characteristic disposition; temperament: a self-willed nature; an evil nature.
12.
the original, natural, uncivilized condition of humankind.
13.
the biological functions or the urges to satisfy their requirements.
14.
a primitive, wild condition; an uncultivated state.
15.
a simple, uncluttered mode of life without the conveniences or distractions of civilization: a return to nature.
16.
( initial capital letter, italics ) a prose work (1836), by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expounding transcendentalism.
17.
Theology . the moral state as unaffected by grace.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nature
While it may seem like on obvious choice, seeing as how my pictures contain plants, I am currently trying to figure out what this word actually means, not only to me, but also to modern day society. With all the definitions present, it’s easy to see how vague this word is. I found Mike Smith’s quote to be especially interesting. It is now rare to see a horizon void of skyscrapers and billboards. It is now almost “natural” to not be in contact with “nature.”
“Nature is a human invention.”
Smith, Mike Deri. "Forest for the Trees." November 17, 2008
“With our attempts to cultivate nature, humankind causes the rising of a next nature, which is wild and unpredictable as ever. Wild systems, genetic surprises, autonomous machinery and splendidly beautiful black flowers. Nature changes along with us.”
Next Nature
http://www.nextnature.net/
“The dividing line between nature and culture is difficult to draw. When a bird builds a nest, we call it nature, but when a human puts up an apartment building, suddenly it’s culture. Some try to sidestep the problem by claiming that everything is nature, while others claim that nature is only a cultural construction. It’s tempting just to lump the two together and give up thinking about it.”
Koert Van Mensvoort
http://www.nextnature.net/2006/11/real-nature-isnt-green/
Photos:
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/faketree.htm
Choate, Dave. “Opponents to fight fake-tree cell tower at Odiorne Point.” Seacoast
Online, 14 August 2010. Web. <http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100814-NEWS-8140317>
Nowadays, cell phone companies are disguising their towers as trees. It is happening in various places in the country, with the artificial tree imitating those of that region. In this case, Verizon plans on building a 105-foot fake pine tree at Odiorne State Park in New Hampshire. There is a small group fighting against this. The metal tree will stand 24 feet taller than the actual trees in the park. The tower also requires an 11.5-by-30-foot storage facility, taking up additional room. The tower also seems to go against the conditions of the land being used by the state. The land is supposed to remain for recreational and educational purposes, which don’t seem fit for a cell phone tower to be built.
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